One of the big complaints users that have had to replace an Xbox 360 have had (aside from having to replace/repair their Xbox 360) is that any purchased DRM protected content no longer works on their new system. Previously the only way to remedy this was via exhausting support calls. A ridiculous process to be able to use content that you've paid for.

Today Microsoft have announced a small concession, the DRM Tool. Here's a couple of the noteworthy points:

* The DRM tool allows you to transfer licenses from one console to another. For instance, if you bought a console a year ago and downloaded a bunch of content but then bought a new console this year and downloaded more content, you couldn't play all of the content on both 360s without being signed into LIVE. With this tool, you can consolidate all of the downloaded content licenses to your preferred console. This way, you don't have to be signed into LIVE to play.
* The process takes less than a minute. There is no content being transferred, only licenses.
* This process will work on any console so if you had to trade an Xbox 360 at a local retailer, you can still use the tool to migrate your information. However, you can only do this once every year (365 Days). If you send the console to Microsoft to be repaired, they will automatically update all of your licenses. For more information on console repair, visit: http://www.xbox.com/support.

So now you can use the media you bought again, just don't let it happen more than once a year. Aren't they just nice guys?

Fortunately, this isn't a huge issue for Aussies as there's not a whole lot on offer in our Xbox Live Marketplace. Additionally, you can play Live Arcade games etc on any console provided you are signed into your Xbox Live account. Only on the console you purchased them on (or used DRM tool to transfer to, once a year) can you play them without signing in.